Jesus’ favorite

Tuesday

Aug 19, 2014 at 12:01 AMAug 19, 2014 at 1:57 AM

I was in the hallway of Woodcliff Hotel and Spa the first time I mentioned it. My husband and I had just been upgraded from a regular room to the Orient Suite Ė a difference of about $200 a night Ė and I made my confession right there by the elevators. I know it doesnít […]

I was in the hallway of Woodcliff Hotel and Spa the first time I mentioned it. My husband and I had just been upgraded from a regular room to the Orient Suite Ė a difference of about $200 a night Ė and I made my confession right there by the elevators.

I know it doesnít seem theologically sound, but sometimes I feel like Iím really Jesusí favorite.

I said it in a half whisper then just in case anyone rounded the corner, but Iím saying it louder now because Iíve decided itís true.

A couple of weeks ago, the person in the car ahead of me at Tim Hortonís paid for my bagel and sugar-infused coffee.

Clearly, Jesus likes me.

Then, something I had been struggling with at work came together better than I expected.

Are you noticing the same pattern I am?

A week later I had a terrible stomach bug. The worst I had had in at least seven years. And no one else in my family caught even a tiny bit of it.

Thank you, God.

My 12-year-old car? Itís still running.

My family? Quirky and crazy Ė and loving and funny.

My refrigerator? Disorganized but full.

Sure, there are times when I donít get what I want or am certain I need. Times when I donít understand why God doesnít step in and tidy things up in this world and make it a little better for all of us, especially those in need of a safe place to even put a refrigerator.

But being his favorite doesnít mean having all the answers or always having things my way. It simply means I can trust his love for me in the thank-you times and in the no-thanks-Iíd-rather-not times. And it means I should reach out to his other favorites, the ones who Ė like me Ė he calls beloved.

That mama trying to keep her daughter safe and off the war-torn streets. That man struggling to fight his way out of the bottle and into a job. That teen who canít seem to understand math no matter how many days he stays after school. That child who is scared and alone in the court system.

All of us beloved. All of us in need of Godís strength and grace. All of us equal.